The Weirding Field is a new kind of narrative scrapbook, telling the story of Gene Watson — folk artist, failed astronaut, phenomenon — through the eyes of his daughter, artist Esther
Pearl Watson. Esther Pearl Watson's father, Gene Watson, always followed his own vision despite what his boss, landlord, neighbors or family thought he should be doing. As a child, she
thought he was a misunderstood genius. As a teenager, she was painfully aware of how he did not fit into the social norms. Gene Watson's saucer building was hard on his family, both
financially and emotionally (they grew up in poverty, often picking up beer cans on the side of the highway for gas money). Eventually, her parents were separated and her dad returned to
Italy, the country from which he was adopted. He left behind many angry and hurt family members and creditors. Since his return to Italy, Gene Watson has sent his daughter letters filled with
theories, diagrams, drawings, and advice. Esther Pearl Watson has used both his successes and failures to direct her life and career as an artist.
